School’s out for summer! But what to do? Here’s Rebecca Welton’s pick of 28 things to consider doing with kids in and around the city these holidays. Heck, some of them are even free! And if you have other ideas, why not comment below. Happy holidays!
Photo under CC2 by Özgür Mülazımoğlu
1. Take the Mythical Maze summer reading challenge
Head for your local library and read six books featuring larger than life characters from myths and legends during the holidays.
Where: Citywide
When: 12 July - 6 September
Age: 5-11s
Cost: Free
More details
2. Create a Dragon from scrap and junk
in collaboration with those lovely people from Element Arts
Where: Bitterne Library
When: 5 August, 10.30am to 12pm, or 2pm to 3.30pm
Cost: Free
3. Make a Medusa Headdress to scare your family and friends
Where: Bitterne Library
When: 12 August, 11am to 3pm
Cost: Free
4. Feeling creative? Design and create your own poppy collage
Where: Bitterne Library
When: 14 August, 11am to 3pm
Cost: Free
5. Make goblin hats and monster hands
Where: Bitterne Library
When: 16 August, 11am to 3pm
Cost: Free
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6. Get a head start with a crash swimming course
Swimming lessons for Stages 1, 2 and 3 with four course dates during August.
Where: Bitterne Leisure Centre
When: 45 minutes for five mornings, weeks starting: 28 July, 4 August, 11 August and 18 August
Cost: £38.25 per child
7. Want some fun? Hair-raising rides and exciting games at the August Fair
And don't forget the traditional bank holiday market on the Monday.
Where: Southampton Common
When: 21 to 24 August, 1pm to 9pm, and 25 August, 10am to 9pm
8. The fun-filled Summer Holiday Club is back!
Daily activities include arts & crafts, bouncy castle, indoor and outdoor sports, Wii, films, games, and face painting.
Where: Chamberlayne Leisure Centre
When: Summer holidays, 8.30am to 5.30pm, or half day 8.30am to 1pm or 1pm to 5.30pm
Age: 4-13s (must be in full time education)
Cost: £20.30 per child per day, or £12.00 for a half day.
Contact 023 8043 7668 to book.
9. Football-mad? Learn new skills and make friends with the Saints Kick Project
Free summer football coaching for boys and girls. Sessions are run by qualified coaches, and give young people the chance to enhance their football skills, make new friends, and discover pathways into employment and volunteering.
Where: Various locations around Southampton
When: 28 to 31 July, 4 to 7 August, 11 to 13 August, and 27 August
Age: 10-19s
Cost: Free
For more information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call on 023 8071 1950.
10. Always wanted to go camping? Here’s your chance at the Family Summer Camp
This overnight experience combines exciting activities with a fun nights camping. Activities include archery, climbing, crate stacking, canoeing or kayaking. In the evening there will be a BBQ and a campfire for families to relax around and share stories.
Where: Woodmill Outdoor Activity Centre
When: 30 and 31 August
Cost: £50 per adult, £35 per child or £160 for a family of four (tents can be provided for £10)
11. Action-packed activities at the Children’s Active Adventure Days
Where: Woodmill Outdoor Activity Centre
When: 1 to 5 days, throughout August
Age: 8-16s
Cost: £25 per day, or £99 per week
12. Think the kids have all the fun with their Adventure Days? Join in with the Family Active Adventure Day
Bring the kids and experience some of Woodmill’s outdoor activities together. Activities include archery, climbing and canoeing.
Where: Woodmill Outdoor Activity Centre
When: over one day on 2, 9, 16, or 23 August
Cost: £30 per adult, £25 per child, £80 for family of four
13. Tempted by something new? Try out new sports at the Discovery Sessions
Discovery sessions run every Saturday, alternating between archery, climbing and paddle sports. All specialist equipment is included; under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Where: Woodmill Outdoor Activity Centre
When: one day on either 2, 9 or 16 August
Age: 8+
Cost £10
14. Experience mind-blowing theatre, eye-catching dance, and music from around the world at the Art at the Heart Festival
The festival celebrates the 50th anniversaries of both Nuffield and the City of Southampton. Events include: the world premiere of Nuffield’s new play ‘The Saints’; Hampshire Youth Theatre’s adaptation Michael Morpurgo’s ‘The Best Christmas Present in the World’; a day of global music presented by Art Asia; ‘Five of the Best’ performed by Mayflower Theatre Summer Youth Project; and ‘Stolen Wishes’ featuring local young dancers.
Where: pop-up venue in Nuffield Playing Field, Guildhall Square
When: 1 to 17 August
Tickets available via Nuffield’s Box Office on 023 8067 1771
15. See how life was lived, and worked, on and off board at the Southampton Maritime Festival
Plus, explore the exhibits with historic cars, and heritage trams alongside many heritage and art exhibits, craft fairs and traders. Heritages buses will run a shuttle service to the docks from the city centre.
Where: Dock Gate 4
When: 22 and 23 August
16. Tour thought-provoking Art in the Garden and Youth Art sculptures.
Suitable for all the family. No need to book.
Where: Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
When: 19 July to 5 September
Cost: Free with normal admission
17. Want to connect with the Great Outdoors? Come along to Family Bushcraft sessions
Different activities each week, including tracks and signs, bush music, primitive arts, and campfire cooking. Booking is essential. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Where: Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
When: 4, 11, 18 and 25 August, 10:00am – 12.30pm
Age: 3-12s
Cost: £10 for 1 adult and 1 child
Contact 01794 369318 to book.
18. Come and see our beautiful butterflies around the grounds at the Butterfly Family Day
Craft activities until 3pm, butterfly games until 4pm.
Where: Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
When: 8 August, 10am – 4pm. Tours at 11am, 12noon, 2pm and 3pm.
Cost: Free with normal admission
19. Hilarious children’s entertainment alongside an 80-piece orchestra? It can only be the Summers End Picnic!
Learn some circus skills, dance the night away or sing along to music including High School Musical, Mama Mia and Beatles medleys, Goldfinger and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Where: Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
When: 30 August. Gates open 6.15pm, concert 7pm to 9pm
Cost: Adults £15.95, Children £8
20. Come adventuring on Family Fun Weekends
Over two weekends. On the first: Saturday will see you learning how to make tree books with artist James Aldridge. There are two sessions running from 10am to 12noon, and 1pm to 3pm. The sessions are free but popular so sign up as soon as you get there.
On the second weekend, artist Laura Joy will help as you create a giant book of illustrations inspired by the heroes on your trail and the adventures you go on at Mottisfont. Come back at the end of the day to see the finished article. Free sessions running throughout the day - just book in when you get there.
Where: Mottisfont
When: 2 /3 August, and 16/17 August
Cost: Free with normal admission
Contact: Mottisfont Abbey, 01794 344020
21. Theatre in the sun with the Family Open Air Theatre
Join The Pantaloon’s History of Britain for their fast-paced hilarious race through the centuries! Pack a picnic, bring the whole family and enjoy the outdoor theatre on a lovely summer's evening.
Where: Mottisfont
When: 23 August, 7pm to 9.15pm
Cost: Adult £16, Child £8. Booking essential.
Contact: Mottisfont Abbey, 01794 344020
22. Bored with cars? Want to cycle miles of wide gravel track? Come along to cycling open mornings
The enclosure will be exclusive to cyclists for the day so it’s a safe environment for those who need to build their confidence. Parking is available at Half Moon Common car park, Blackhill Road, East Wellow SO51 6AQ
Where: New Forest Northern Commons
When: 6, 17, 20 August
Cost: Free
Contact: Michelle Baxter, 01425 650035 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
23. Discover Egyptian gods at ‘Intriguing Egyptians’
Handle genuine Egyptian artifacts, create headdresses fit for pharaohs, and mummify an orange!
Where: SeaCity Museum
When: 5 August, 10am to 12pm or 1pm to 3pm
Age: 4-11s
Cost: £6, need to pre-book
24. Discover more about Clausentum (Roman Southampton) with Mosaic Mayhem
See real Roman objects, try on costumes and create your own mosaic-style collages.
Where: SeaCity Museum
When: 13 August, 10am to 12pm or 1pm to 3pm
Age: 4-11s
Cost: £3 - need to pre-book
25. Create your own starfish and jellyfish mobile at Sea Creature Creations
Where: SeaCity Museum
When: 19 August, 10am to 12pm or 1pm to 3pm
Age: 4-8s
Cost: £4 need to pre-book
26. Gain access to the Collections Store, and join in with WW1 scrapbooking with the Arts and Heritage Youth Forum
Where: SeaCity Museum
When: 20 August , 11am to 3pm
Age: 13-25s
Cost: Free, but please let them know if you’re going
27. Want to fly? Come and make your Dragon wings!
Where: Cobbett Road Library
When: 6 August, 2pm to 3pm
Age: Primary school
Cost: Free
28. Not satisfied with wings? Here’s your chance to create a whole Dragon!
Where: Cobbett Road Library
When: 11 August, 2pm to 3pm
Age: Primary school
Cost: Free
To download a PDF of summer holiday activies across Southampton libraries, click here.
Compiled by Rebecca Welton
See also: Free holiday activities at Cobbett Road Library